A slot is a narrow opening or hole, for example the one in a machine or container where you put coins to make it work. A slot can also refer to a position or location, for example a slot in a rock climbing wall or the position in a hockey game where a center or winger is expected to shoot.
There are a number of reasons why players choose to play free slots before they deposit any money at an online casino. Firstly, it gives them a chance to familiarise themselves with the mechanics of a particular game before they decide to try their luck for real cash. Secondly, most casino games nowadays are not simple 3-reel fruit machines and can come with features such as scatter symbols and bonus rounds that may take a new player by surprise if they have never played them before.
Thirdly, playing free slots can help players determine whether a particular game is low or high variance. This is important as it will give them a good idea of how much they can win or lose before they start to gamble with their own money. This will enable them to make a more informed decision when choosing which casino games to play with real money later on. As a result, they will be less likely to make rash decisions and end up losing all their money. This is especially important for players on a tight budget or who do not have the funds to withstand a long dry spell when gambling with real money.